Express & Star

Dog-free zones start at Himley Hall

Permanent signs will be placed around Himley Hall when dogs are banned from using certain parts of the attraction.

Published

It comes despite angry dog owners signing a petition against the move to ban pets from sections of the site and protests against the proposed 'dog free zones'.

Council bosses want to cater more for picnicking families by stopping pets using a third of 18th century hall's gardens.

The ban, which comes into effect on February 1, will prevent dogs from using open spaces stretching between the Main Gate and West Gate.

Some of the temporary signs put up by the council, warning of the changes, had been removed in recent weeks - but not by council staff.

Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, cabinet member for planning and economic development, said: "We're currently organising for permanent signs to be placed within the park to identify the dog free zone but until then temporary signs are in place."

But parent Simon White, from Sedgley, said he wanted his two children, aged six and eight, to spend time in the countryside where they could run and play safely away from dog faeces.

"Everywhere we go there is dog faeces and owners who insist their dog is not a problem and is okay to be off its lead and will not bite," he said.

"They have gradually taken over every bit of parkland and our canal walking paths – and heaven help anyone who challenges that.

"We'd like to thank Dudley Council for taking this action, which although will not be enforced at least is one small step in the right direction."

Mr White, aged 52, said he did not see any difference between yobs and 'so called respectable people' with dogs who never cleaned up after their pets.

He said: "I use Himley at least once every 10 days but try to go off peak when I can, as a result of these issues.

"A week never passes when we don't hear reports on some issue with dogs attacking someone."

Himley Hall was jointly bought by Dudley and Wolverhampton District Councils in 1966, and its park was opened as a public leisure area.

Dudley bought Wolverhampton's share in 1988 gaining outright ownership and began work on a phased programme of restoration through financial support from the European Regional Development Fund in 1993.

Councillor Ahmed said the grounds of Himley Hall were used by lots of people and the council had to make sure it catered for everyone.

He said the council wanted to encourage more people and families to enjoy picnics and other relaxing pursuits as the spring months approached.

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.